Data reading and image processing system for CD-ROM

ABSTRACT

A data reading and image processing system for a video entertainment system with a CD-ROM capability is disclosed with a pair of separate computer systems that are controlled through a controller for accessing data from a memory unit. A first computer system can control the reading of data and the storing of the data in the memory unit in coordination with a first synchronization time period while the second computer system can control the processing of video data signals in an image processing circuit during a second synchronization time period. The data can be appropriately enabled to a position within the memory unit to assist in parallel processing by both computer systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention provides a data reading and image processingsystem using a compact disc storage device and, more particularly,provides two separate CPU (central processing units) systems to enableparallel processing and control of a music and video entertainmentsystem that provides game play with operator interface.

2. Description of Related Art

Video game systems have been extremely popular in providing interactivegame play with an operator. Generally, these video game systems haveused a microprocessor-based controller that can be connected to atelevision set and can receive ROM cartridges for providing game play onthe video screen with operator controls enabling an interaction with theplay of the game. While these game systems have proven to be extremelypopular, there has been an increasing demand for more complex game playand more detailed video images. As a result, video game systems havesought to use the increased storage capacity of optical compact discROMs (CDs), and have also sought to expand the entertainmentpossibilities, such as the reproduction of music by a CD player that canbe used for not only storing video images, but also the conventionalmusic data associated with a CD player.

In the conventional image processing systems using a CD, one CPU systemis used for controlling both the reading of image data and theprocessing of the image data for image display. As a result, when imagedata processing or image display is being carried out, other processingand control operations cannot be carried out. As a consequence, theprocessing speed is substantially decreased, and the capacities of theexpanded memory of the CD-ROM is limited. While the compact disc wasoriginally a medium partially established for recording sound, itscapability of recording a much larger amount of information thanconventional recording media in the form of a digital recording lendsitself to recording information other than audio information, such asvideo information, etc. When used in a television game system, the videoinformation that is stored on the CD-ROM is accessed throughout theprogress of the game. Thus, video information that is stored on a CD-ROMmust be read out and used as video images of the game, depending uponthe various game play options that can be established by the operator'sskill and choices.

While the CD-ROM permits a TV game machine to provide a much betterquality of display of video images, there has been a limitation in itsadaptability to the conventional data reading and imaging processingsystems that have been used in this field. As can be appreciated, TVgame entertainment systems are relatively competitive, and pricelimitations impose serious constraints on the hardware components thatcan be utilized.

Another problem that has occurred exists when the CD operation requiresa video display on the TV picture or CRT, such as when various operatorinstructions must be input into the system. In a play action mode, it isdifficult to switch to an operator menu while the CD graphic image isbeing displayed. Usually in the conventional operation, in order toswitch, the CD operation that is currently in play must be stopped, andan operational picture or menu is displayed. Only after the operationwith that menu is completed can the game play or CD graphic image beagain displayed. Further, when a particular CD program is to beselected, e.g., a program selection menu in the conventional scheme, thedisplay can be made only for a presubscribed number of programs, andthere is a limitation on the number of programs that can be assigned orthe degree of complicated instructions that can be implemented.

FIG. 3 shows a conventional CD data read and image processing devicewith data stored on a CD-ROM being read out for processing. CPU 30controls both a CD-ROM drive unit 32 for reading the data recorded onthe CD-ROM and an image processing unit 34 for displaying the datarecorded on the CD-ROM as video images. The video image processed byimage processing unit 34 is displayed on a TV screen 36. In order toretain the recording data of the CD-ROM for operational processing, CPU30 has a random access memory 38.

CD-ROM drive unit 32 can read the data from CD-ROM at a rate of 2048bytes per 1/75-second. However, in order to display a video image usingimage processing unit 34, it is necessary to process the read data at adifferent synchronization speed of 1/60-second in the case of an NTSCvideo format. As the synchronization timing of CD-ROM drive unit 32 andimage processing unit 34 are different from each other, there areresulting problems related to the operation of the CD data read andimage processing system.

The operation of the conventional CD data read processing device may befurther explained with reference to FIGS. 4-6. In FIGS. 4 and 5, theoperation is carried out with a priority set for a CD interruption fromCD-ROM drive unit 32 over the video interruption from the imageprocessing unit 34. The image data of 2048×5 bytes (1 scene) inputted infive cycles from the CD-ROM in 1/75-second for each cycle are outputtedas a video image in four cycles by the image processing unit 34.

As shown in FIG. 4, because the CD interruption from CD-ROM drive unit32 is set with priority, data from CD-ROM is stored in buffer area A ofmemory 38 at a rate of 2048 bytes per 1/75-second. On the other hand,image processing unit 34 generates a video interruption for processingthe data stored in buffer area B of memory 38 at a rate of 2560 bytesper 1/60-second to form a video image. If the read control of CD-ROMdrive unit 32 has not ended, data processing is carried out by imageprocessing unit 34, only after the CPU 30 is released from the readcontrol mode.

In addition, as the busy time of CPU 30 is long due to image processingunit 34, when CD interruption is generated before the end of dataprocessing by image processing unit 34, such as after 4/75-second, CDinterruption is set as priority, and CD-ROM read control by CD-ROM driveunit 32 is carried out by CPU 30. As shown in FIG. 4, data processing byimage processing unit 34 is interrupted.

When the busy time of CPU 30 for image processing unit 34 becomes evenlonger, as shown in FIG. 5, interruption of data processing by imageprocessing unit 34 takes place even more frequently (after 3/75-second,4/75-second).

Consequently, it is considered to let the video interruption from imageprocessing unit 34 take priority over the CD interruption from CD-ROMprocessing unit 32. When the busy time of CPU 30 for image processingunit 34 is short, during the period when CPU 30 is not busy for imageprocessing unit 34, CD-ROM read control by CD-ROM drive unit 32 can becarried out. However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the busy time of CPU 30for image processing unit 34 becomes longer, the CD-ROM read control byCD-ROM drive unit 32 interrupts after, say, 1/60-second by videointerruption.

Thus, the prior art is still seeking to solve the problems of thediscrepancy in synchronization timing of the CD-ROM drive unit and theimage processing in an economical manner and further to facilitate aswitching of the operational picture being played on the video screen sothey can be switched with a CD graphic picture and a selection ofprograms with the CD can be carried out by the operator in an efficientmanner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a video computer game system orentertainment system which enables an operator to play a game stored asdata on a compact disc ROM that can be read at a first synchronizationtime period that is different from a second synchronization time periodnecessary for processing the data to provide video drive signals. Thecompact disc data processing system can include a memory unit that canreceive data read from a CD disc through a CD-ROM drive unit. A firstcomputer system can control the reading of data by the CD-ROM drive unitand can store the read data in the memory unit in coordination with thefirst synchronization time period. An image processing circuit canprocess the read data to provide video drive signals in coordinationwith a second synchronization time period. A second computer system cancontrol the processing of the video drive signals during the secondsynchronization time period. A control unit such as a gate array orcomputer-controlled switch system can coordinate the storage of the readdata into the memory unit and the reading of the data out of the memoryunit to enable a coordination of the processing of data by the first andsecond computer systems. The two computer systems can functionindependently in a parallel processing of data to enhance both theprocessing speed and capabilities of the entertainment game system.

In operation, a CD graphics picture can further include a switchinstruction region that is set for switching to an operational picture.Conversely, the operational picture can also include a switchinstruction region for switching to the CD graphic. Thus, a cursor orother operator-controlled designating device can interact with theswitch regions so that switching can be performed even during a playmode of operation. Consequently, by using the function of setting theoperational picture, an image of the CD graphics can be utilized.Additionally, as a number of programs in the CD can be displayed on apicture, the programs can be selected easily, for example, with the aidof a scrolling function, and cancellation of a selected program also canbe easily done. Thus, setting the operational functions desired by theoperator on the video screen can be easily accomplished.

In summary, the image data reading and image processing system using twoindependent CPU's, which can perform independent operationssimultaneously, enable data processing to be carried out at a high speedand with high efficiency while further enhancing the ease with which theoperator can interface with switched instruction regions on variousvideo displays on the CRT. The first CPU system can be used for imageprocessing the data from the CD with a memory for storing image dataprocessed by the first CPU system via a switching device. A second CPUsystem can read and process image data from the memory via the switchingdevice. A video data display processor circuit can input the processdata from the second CPU and display them on a display screen. Switchingcan be carried out between the CD picture being played and theoperational picture and the program selection on the CD can be performedwith a scrolling function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed tobe novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Thepresent invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation,together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood byreference to the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the CD data read and image processingsystem of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the CD data read andimage processing of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional CD data read and imageprocessing system;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the conventional CDdata read and image processing;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the conventional CDdata read and image processing;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the conventional CDdata read and image processing;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an alternativeexample of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the configurationshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a concept diagram illustrating the CD system control unit;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operationpicture and a play picture;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a switching operation of theoperation picture and the play picture;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating the selection of music on aCD;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the scrolling of program selection;

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of a MEGA-CD; and

FIG. 15 shows the connection relationship between the MEGA-CD and aMEGA-drive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modescontemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention.

Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, since the generic principles of the presentinvention have been defined herein specifically to provide an improveddata reading and image processing system for an entertainment system.

This invention will be explained in more detail with reference to anexample illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2.

CPU 10 for controlling the reading of data from a CD is set forcontrolling CD-ROM drive unit 12 to read the data recorded on a CD-ROM(not shown). CPU 14 for controlling the video signals is set forcontrolling an image processing unit 16 for displaying the recordingdata of the CD-ROM as a video image. The video image processed by imageprocessing unit 16 is displayed on a TV screen 18.

A gate array 20 interconnects with CD CPU 10 and video CPU 14 betweenmemories 22A and 22B, and it can control the operation of CD CPU 10 andvideo CPU 14. That is, under control of CD CPU 10, CD recording dataread from CD-ROM drive unit 12 at a timing of 1/75-second are stored inmemory 22A or memory 22B. At the same time, the CD recording data readfrom memory 22B or memory 22A are processed by image processing unit 16for each 1/60-second under control of video CPU 14. At a timing notoccupied by both CD CPU 10 and video CPU 14, gate array 20 can control adata exchange between memory 22A and memory 22B.

The operation of the CD data read and image processing system in thisexample can be explained with reference to FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, with respect to a CD interruption from CD-ROM driveunit 12, CD CPU 10 immediately performs the processing of reading data,and the CD recording data are stored by way of gate array 20 into, say,memory 22A. On the other hand, with respect to a video interruption fromimage processing unit 16, video CPU 14 immediately performs an imageprocessing, and the CD recording data stored in memory 22B are taken outvia gate array 20 and are displayed as a video image on TV screen 18.When the processing of the data of one scene by CD CPU 10 and video CPU14 is completed, data exchange is carried out between memory 22A andmemory 22B and the data processing for the next scene is accordinglyprepared.

In this way, for the CD data read and image processing system in thisapplication example, CD CPU 10 for controlling CD-ROM drive unit 12 andvideo CPU 14 for controlling image processing unit 16 are operatedseparately from each other. Consequently, there is no interruption inthe processing of data due to a busy CPU as in the conventional scheme,and the data of CD-ROM can be both read and image processed smoothly.

This invention is not limited to the afore-mentioned application, andvarious variations may be applied. For example, in the afore-mentionedapplication example, read processing is performed for data recorded onCD-ROM. However, this invention can also be applied in the readprocessing of data recorded on other CD's, such as CD, CD-ROM-XA, CD-I,CD-G, CD-V, etc.

In the afore-mentioned application example, the CD recording datarecorded on a CD-ROM are processed and the TV image is displayed.However, this invention may also be applied in the processing of othertypes of data recorded on the CD-ROM in addition to image data.

As explained above, according to this invention, a first CPU forcontrolling the CD drive unit and a second CPU for controlling the dataprocessing unit are set separately; hence, even when the synchronizationtiming of the CD drive unit is different from the synchronization timingof the data processing unit, the CD data can still be read and processedsmoothly without interruption.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is defined toeffectuate a switching image instruction to be realized on both a CDgraphic image and an operational picture to facilitate operatorselection and control of the entertainment system. FIG. 7 shows anexample of a configuration of this invention. There are again twoseparate CPU's 100 and 101. Memory 121 is connected to CPU 100, whilememory 122 is connected to CPU 101. Via a switch having contact points aand b (such as an analog switch 105), memory (RAM) 104 can be connectedto CPU 100 and CPU 101. Memory 104 is divided into a first areacontaining the image data and a second area containing the data fortransfer. Switch 105 can be controlled by CPU 100. The data from memory104 processed by CPU 101, are sent to video data display unit 102, andthe processed image is displayed on CRT 103. The information of CD-ROM120 is inputted to memories 104 and 121, and CD 120 is operated by CPU100 with the aid of a command MC from a CD-BIOS, to be explained later.

For this configuration, operation is illustrated in FIG. 8. First ofall, CPU 100 turns switch 105 to contact point a (step S1); then, CPU100 transfers command MC with respect to CD 120, and image processing iscarried out together with memories 104 and 121 (step S2). The image dataneeded for the image processing are stored into the first area of memory104 (step S3). Then, according to the image processing, the data fortransfer are written into the second area (step S4), followed by turningswitch 105 to contact point b by CPU 100 (step S5). Then, together withmemory 122, CPU 101 processes the necessary information on the firstarea according to the information of the second area, and the processedinformation is transferred to CRT 103 via video display processing unit102 (step S6).

In this configuration, there are two CPU's 100 and 101, and theconnection to memory 104 is changed via switch 105. In this way,independent operations can be carried out. Consequently, for examplewhen CPU 100 performs image processing with respect to CD 120, CPU 101can perform other processing (such as key-in by the operator), and theoverall processing speed can thus be increased.

FIG. 9 is a concept diagram of the CD system control unit. Eachrectangular frame indicates a process fixed on the ROM in the CD, and itoperates for feeding to the RAM. A dot represents a control relation,and a circle represents the flow of the data. The CD system controlprocess is a process with operation on the SUB-CPU, which consists ofthe various control processes for operating the hardware directly andthe interface process which is used to control them by forming a bridgewith the user process. The general state of the hardware is as follows:"CDD" stands for compact disc driver, which is a mechanism forreproduction of music data. It carries a dedicated 4-bit CPU for MEGAcontrol. "CDC" stands for CD data controller, which is a chip that canoutput the data from the CD after making any error correction of theCD-ROM standard. It has a 16-kilobyte buffering memory, and can buffer5-frame decode data. "SCD" stands for a sub code 9a function containedin MEGA-CD gate array (MCG), and there is a 128-byte buffering memorycontained in MCG. "FDR" stands for fader, which has the function ofcontrolling the volume of music data (CD-DA) directly outputted from theCD drive. "LED" stands for light-emitting diode, which has the functionof displaying the state of the CD drive. There are a green LED and a redLED.

The general feature of the process is as follows. In "INITIAL PROCESS"1, the CPU is reset, and the equipment is initialized to a start state,with necessary initialization for the hardware and for the variouscontrol processes. In an interruption prohibitive state, a time of 100msec or longer is needed. In "SYSTEM CONTROL PROCESS" 2, implementationof the system process and user process 3 is controlled, and managementis performed on the interruption vector and BIOS call entry. In "CD-BOOTPROCESS" 4, the program is loaded from CD-DISC, and the control processis carried out for the various hardware depending on the requirement ofthe application. In "CDD CONTROL PROCESS" 5, the mechanism of the CDdrive is controlled. In "CDC CONTROL PROCESS" 6, the data outputted fromthe CD drive have their errors corrected at "CDC." In "SCD CONTROLPROCESS" 7, the sub code data outputted from the CD drive and stored inMCG are read and error checking and error amendment are carried out. In"FDR CONTROL PROCESS" 8, the volume of the music data directly outputtedfrom the CD drive is controlled. In "LED CONTROL PROCESS" 9, ON/OFF ofthe LED is controlled to represent the state of the CD drive. In "USERPROCESS" 3, BIOS is called depending on the application.

The content of the BIOS call is as follows. That is, when music is to bereproduced or data are to be read using the CD drive, a command is sentto program (BIOS) which is in charge of managing and controlling theperipheral hardware. In addition, there are also programs for managementof the backup RAM and for booting from CD-DISC. After end of the initialprocess, the interruption of level 2 (software V-INT) and level 4 (CDD)is in the allowed state. Later, interruptions of level 5 (CDC) and level6 (SCD) become the allowed or prohibited state by the BIOS call relatedto CD-ROM. When these interruptions are prohibited, BIOS cannot performthe normal operation; hence, in the case of control of the interruptmask control port, the allowed state of the afore-mentioned levelsabsolutely cannot be changed. (When the allowed state of the otherlevels is changed, the BIT operation command is used.) As it is anindivisible processing, although there is no problem when the interruptprohibiting state is a short time (on the order of μsec) due to thevariation in the "SR" register, when the time is longer (on the order ofmsec), problems may take place in reading of the data. On the otherhand, the level should not be set lower than the present interruptionlevel. For CD-BIOS, as processing is carried out in the interruptprocessing of level 4 or higher, BIOS call cannot be called in theinterrupt processing for level 4 or higher. (For the interruption oflevel 4 or higher, as it is dedicated to the CD system, the user cannotuse it.) Although implementation is fast for commands related to BIOS,LED, FADER, SCD, and CDC, for commands related to DRIVER, CD-DA, andCD-ROM, as the commands are received only upon request, a longer time isneeded for implementation.

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of MEGA-CD30. In this case, connectionis made to TV and audio equipment, and one can optimally enjoy asoftware game (CD-ROM), music (CD), and karaoke (CD graphics). All ofthe operation is carried out by control pad 20 shown in FIG. 15, and itis implemented by selecting the command on the control picture. If radiocassette equipment is connected, a high-quality stereo sound can befurther played. On control pad 20, there is a direction button 21 whichcan be used to move a cursor on the screen in the direction forselecting the command, a start button 25 which commands the controlpicture, a button 22 which determines the command selected by directionbutton 21, and buttons 23 and 24 which indicate an ON/OFF state of thecontrol panel. On the control panel, the music number, play time,channel, play command, program selection command, etc., are displayed.

FIG. 15 shows the connection relationship between MEGA drive 40 andMEGA-CD 30 and other equipment. MEGA drive 40 is fixed on MEGA-CD 30 viaa joint steel sheet and screws, and is connected to an AC adaptor.Control pad 20 is connected to MEGA-CD 30, and a TV set is connected toMEGA drive 40 via a DIN-plug cord.

According to this invention, for CD graphics, program music selectionand other functions can be used effectively as a switch can be madebetween the operation picture on the screen and the picture of the CDgraphics. FIG. 10A illustrates the operation picture, which contains aswitching area 110 for indicating a switch to the play picture. FIG. 10Bshows the play picture, which also contains a switching area 111 forindicating a switch to the operation picture. The operator can move acursor for activating the switching area.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the switch operation between theoperation picture and the CD graphics. During the operation pictureprocessing shown in FIG. 10A (step S10), when the cursor denotesswitching area 110 and indicates a switch to the play picture (stepS11), the play picture processing of the CD graphics as shown in FIG.10B is reached (step S12). Then, as the cursor denotes switching area111 on the play picture, and the switch to the operation picture isindicated (step S13), the operation processing state shown in FIG. 10Ais reached. In this way, a switch action can be performed between CDgraphics and the operation picture during the play process; hence, thefunctions set on the operation picture can be used for the CD graphics.In addition, the picture processing of the CD is continued in theoperation picture processing, and when the play picture is recovered,the play picture at the moment is displayed.

FIGS. 12A and 12b illustrate the program selection of the CD. FIG. 12Bshows the individual music pieces contained on the CD. As the number isdenoted by the cursor as shown in FIG. 12B, the selected number isrepresented as a sequential program as shown in FIG. 12A. When there are21 or more music pieces on the CD, a scroll display as shown in FIG. 13is performed to facilitate selection of the music. As shown in FIG. 12A,when music is to be canceled from the program, one may simply move thecursor to the program number, and the selected program number can becanceled, and the later music pieces are shuffled forward.

According to this invention, in the image processing system, there aretwo CPU's which can operate independently; hence, high-speed processingcan be carried out. In this way, even during the play process, a switchbetween the operation control picture and the picture of the CD graphicscan still be carried out. In addition, due to the scroll function,selection of the music pieces of the CD can be performed easily.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations andmodifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can beconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced other than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A video computer game system that enables anoperator to play a game stored as data on a compact disc that is read ata first synchronization time period that is different from a secondsynchronization time period necessary for processing the data to providevideo drive signals including a data processing system comprising:amemory unit; means for reading data stored on a compact disc; a firstcomputer system for controlling the reading of data by the reading meansand storing the read data in the memory unit in coordination with thefirst synchronization time period; image processing means for processingthe read data to provide video drive signals in coordination with thesecond synchronization time period; a second computer system forcontrolling the processing of video drive signals during the secondsynchronization time period, the second computer system operating alsowhen the first computer system is operating to provide parallelprocessing of data; and control means for coordinating the storage ofread data into the memory unit and reading of data out of the memoryunit to enable a coordination of the processing of data by the first andsecond computer systems so that the same data is not being accessed inthe memory unit by either the first and second computer systems at thesame time period.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the control meansincludes a gate array circuit.
 3. The invention of claim 1, wherein thecontrol means includes a switch member controlled by one of the firstand second computer systems.
 4. The invention of claim 1, wherein thecontrol means accesses data stored in the memory unit in a thirdsynchronization time period to enable the second computer system toprocess video drive signals.
 5. The invention of claim 1, furtherincluding a video display member and means for providing a switchingimage on the video display member.
 6. The invention of claim 5, furtherincluding means to scroll the identification of data available on thecompact disk to the operator.
 7. The invention of claim 6, furtherincluding an operator control panel to provide a cursor for interfacewith the switching image.
 8. A combination of a video computer gamesystem with a compact disk data processing system for a television gamesystem, comprising:means for reading data stored on a compact disk; afirst memory unit; a second memory unit; a first computer system forcontrolling the reading of data by the reading means and storing theread data in one of the first memory unit and the second memory unit incoordination with a first synchronization time period; image processingmeans for processing the data read from one of the first memory unit andthe second memory unit to provide video drive signals; a second computersystem for controlling the processing of video drive signals by theimage processing means in coordination with a second synchronizationtime period; and controller means for enabling the parallel processingof reading data to the first memory unit while processing read data fromthe second memory unit so that the same data is not being accessed byeither the first and second computer systems at the same time period.